TESTIMONIALS, 



TESTIMONIALS, 



K 



V, 



PRIVATELY PRINTED-rNOT PUBLISHED. 









BOSTON: 

PRESS OF GEORGE II. ELLIS, 101 MILK STREET. 

1879. 



V 






Copyright 
By Francis Ellingwood Abbot, 

1879. 



CONTENTS. 



From Family Friends, etc. 



samuel barrett ^7 

lemuel shaw 7 

jacob bigelow 8 

George w. blagden 8 

edward everett 9 



From Instructors at School and College: 

CHARLES HALE * I3 

JAMES WALKER 14 

CORNELIUS C. FELTON \ 14 

JOSIAH P. COOKE, Jr i S 

FREDERIC D. HUNTINGTON i S 

From Parents, Trustees, etc. : 

FRANK B. SANBORN IQ 

Mrs. COMEGYS i 9 

A. HUIDEKOPER ] 

F. HUIDEKOPER L I9 

E. HUIDEKOPER J 

GEORGE TICKNOR CURTIS 20 

Mrs. HARRIET B. SPRAGUE 20 

ESTES HOWE 21 

CHARLES F. DUNBAR 22 



Cornell Testimonials : 

CHARLES ELIOT NORTON 2^,26 

EPHRAIM W. GURNEY 27 

CHAUNCEY WRIGHT 27 



FRANCIS BOWEN . 28, 29 

ANDREW P. PEABODY 30 

JOHN STUART MILL 30 

JOHN VEITCH 31 

HENRY CALDERWOOD 31 

RALPH WALDO EMERSON 32 

OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES 33 

HENRY W. BELLOWS 33 

JOSEPH HENRY ALLEN 34 

NOAH PORTER 35 

EDWARDS A. PARK 35 

HORACE BUSHNELL 36 

ANDREW D. WHITE 38, 39 



FROM FAMILY FRIENDS, ETC. 



From the late Rev. Samuel Barrett, D.D., Pastor of the Twelfth 
{Unitarian) Congregational Church of Boston. 

To ivhom it may concern : — 

This certifies that I have been acquainted with Mr. Francis 
Ellingwood Abbot from his infancy to the present time ; that in his 
boyhood he possessed those qualities which gave promise of dis- 
tinction in respect both to intellectual attainment and to moral 
character ■ that he was for three years a pupil of the Boston Latin 
School, which is second to no other similar institution in our 
country as regards thoroughness of instruction ; that, while there, 
he received thirteen prizes for superior scholarship and exemplary 
conduct, and held, after the first few months, the highest rank in 
his class, as a student of the English, Latin, and Greek languages, 
and also of the Mathematics ; that subsequently he spent four 
years in Harvard University with rare diligence and success, as all 
the officers of that institution will testify, and graduated last July 
with distinguished honors ; and that, in my opinion, few if any 
young men can be found so well qualified in all respects as Mr. 
Abbot, for the office of instructor of youth in the chief branches of 

a liberal education. 

SAMUEL BARRETT, 

Pastor of the Twelfth Cong. Church, Boston. 
Boston, Aug. 9th, 1859. 



From the late Hon. Lemuel Shaw, LL.D., Chief-Justice of the Su- 
preme Court of the State of Massachusetts. 

Boston, 5 Sept. 1859. 
J. H. Abbot, Esq. : — 

Dear Sir, — I am entirely satisfied by the strong testimonials of 

those who have known, and are personally acquainted with, the 

qualifications of your son, Mr. Francis E. Abbot, as a scholar and 



8 

teacher, and that he may be safely and cordially recommended to 
the managers of any academy or school who are seeking the ser- 
vices of an accomplished instructor. 

Please assure him of my permission to refer to me in any 
manner he may think fit, and of my earnest hope that he will 
succeed in any department of instruction in which he may engage. 
I am, my dear sir, respectfully and ever faithfully, . 

Your friend and obedient servant, 

LEMUEL SHAW. 



From the late Jacob Bigelow, M.D., LL.D., President of the Amer- 
ican Academy of Arts and Sciences, President of the Massachusetts 

Medical Society, etc., etc. 

Boston, Sept. 6, 1859. 

From my knowledge of the character of Mr. Francis E. Abbot, 

I take great pleasure in recommending him as a gentleman well 

qualified and fully deserving of confidence as a teacher of young 

persons. • 

JACOB BIGELOW. 



From the Rev. George W. Blagden, D.D., Pastor of the Old South 

Church of Boston. 

Boston, September 9, 1859. 

I have great pleasure in stating that Mr. Francis E. Abbot has 
been an intimate friend of my son for a number of years, and has 
ever been a welcome visitor in my family. He is a young gentle- 
man of pure moral character, and of the most estimable qualities 
as a friend and acquaintance. I have, with my family, always 
rejoiced in my son's friendship with him. He is, moreover, an 
excellent scholar. I have been present when he has received, 
repeatedly, the first prizes for the most important literary exer- 
cises in the Latin School, of this city ; and I have witnessed with 



9 

high satisfaction, in common with all his friends, his high standing 
and success in Harvard University, where he has lately graduated. 

G. W. BLAGDEN, 
Senior Pastor of the Old South Church. 

It has occurred to me that it may be desirable to say that the 

method of instruction in the Boston Latin School, and the precise 

knowledge of details imparted there, eminently qualify Mr. Abbot 

to give instruction of the best kind to any pupils who may be 

entrusted to his care. • 

G. W. B. 



Froth the late Hon. Edward Everett, LL.D., D.C.L., President of 
Harvard University, Governor of Massachusetts, Minister to 
England, Secretary of State for the Ujiited States, etc., etc. 

Boston, io Sept., 1859. 
Without much personal acquaintance with Mr. Francis E. 
Abbot, I feel fully authorized to unite with President Walker, 
Chief-Justice Shaw, and other gentlemen whose testimonials I 
have seen, in recommending him as well qualified to give instruc- 
tion in a High School or Academy. He was the schoolmate of 
my son in Boston, and his classmate at Harvard ; and my son has 
confirmed all that the members of the Faculty have stated of Mr. 
Abbot's scholarship and character. I am persuaded that full con- 
fidence may be placed in liim, as well in reference to moral prin- 
ciple as talent and scholarship. 

EDWARD EVERETT. 



FROM INSTRUCTORS AT SCHOOL AND COLLEGE. 



Fro7n the Hon. Charles Hale, Usher in the Boston Public Latin 
School, Editor of the Boston Daily Advertiser, Speaker of the 
Massachusetts House of Representatives, United States Consul- 
General in Egypt, etc. 

Boston, August 25, i860. 

It gives me pleasure to say what I know of the qualifications of 
Mr. Francis E. Abbot for teaching. I had opportunities for 
watching his course at the Public Latin School in this city, where 
the course of study is very severe, and afterwards to some extent at 
Harvard College. During his stay at the Latin School, he con- 
stantly maintained the position of first in his class, which he 
acquired shortly after his entrance — the rank being settled anew 
every month according to a scale based upon a strict system of 
noting the character of every recitation. Every year he received 
several prizes ; four the first, four the second, and five the third. 
One each year was the prize for good conduct, of which a limited 
number only are awarded to those scholars among the whole 
school who have received the greatest number of the weekly cards 
of approbation. The other prizes were for scholarship, both in 
the classical and modern departments, and for literary exercises, 
obtained under a system of competition in which absolute impar- 
tiality of award is secured. Leaving the Latin School two years 
before the close of the full course, he completed within a year, 
under a private tutor, the studies usually requiring twice that time, 
and entered college without condition. He maintained a high 
standing during the whole college course, and graduated with 
distinction. My acquaintance with him leads me to believe him 
admirably fitted for a teacher, and I feel sure that he will give 
satisfaction in any position to which he may be called for that 

purpose. 

CHARLES HALE. 



14 



From the late Rev. James Walker, D.D., LL.D., President of 

Harvard University. 

Cambridge, Oct. 20, 1856. 

Dear Sir, — F. E. Abbot, a member of our Sophomore Class, 

informs me that he proposes to apply to you for assistance in 

obtaining a school for next winter. It gives me pleasure to be able 

to recommend him to your kindness with entire confidence. His 

moral character is without suspicion, and he stands very high as a 

scholar. 

With much regard, very sincerely yours, 

JAMES WALKER. 
Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of Board of Education. 

Mr. F. E. Abbot will graduate here at the next Commencement. 
He has sustained throughout his college course a high standing as 
a scholar, and an unblemished moral character. He can be 
recommended with great confidence as possessing the qualifica- 
tions necessary to a teacher in a High School or Academy. 

JAMES WALKER, 

Pres't of Harvard College. 
Cambridge, June 3, 1859. 



From the late Cornelius C. Felton, LL.D., President of Harvard 
Uiiiversity. 

Cambridge, July 12, 1859. 

Mr. F. E. Abbot, of the graduating class of this year, has studied 
with entire success the most extended course of Greek pursued 
in the University. He is in all respects a faithful, conscientious, 
and able scholar, and has performed all the duties of his college 
course in such a manner as to command the confidence and respect 
of all who have known him in any of the relations of college. He 
is among the high scholars and the trustworthy men of his class. 

He has also had experience as a teacher ; and, as such, I can 



*5 

recommend him in the strongest terms to persons wishing to 
employ a sound scholar, an able man, and a gentleman. 

C. C. FELTON, 
Eliot Prof, of Greek Literature in Harvard University. 



From JosiAH P. Cooke, Jr., A.M., Erving Professor of Chemistry and 
Mineralogy in Harvard University, Author of" Chemical Physics" 
" Religion and Che?nistry '," etc. 

Cambridge, July 2nd, 1859. 

I take great pleasure in recommending Mr. F. E. Abbot as an 
instructor in any high school or academy. I have known this 
young gentleman intimately during his residence in Cambridge, 
and therefore testify from my personal knowledge to his unusual 
fitness for such a position as he desires. Not only is he an excel- 
lent student, but, what is more important, he has an unusual 
facility in imparting knowledge, which is the chief requisite in a 
teacher. Of this gentleman's moral courage and integrity of char- 
acter I cannot speak in too high terms, and I am certain that his 
personal influence on his pupils would be even more valuable than 
his instruction. I should regard any academy or school as very 
fortunate m securing his services ; and I am persuaded that he will 
elevate both the moral and intellectual standard of the school over 

which he has charge. 

JOSIAH P. COOKE, Jr., 

Erving Professor, H. C. 

From the Right Rev. Frederic D. Huntington, D.D., Preacher to 
the University and Plummer Professor of Christian Morals, 
Bishop of Central New York, etc. 

I feel a special confidence and satisfaction in giving a certificate 
of character and ability to Mr. F. E. Abbot, of the graduating 
class. His natural endowments, his intellectual discipline, his 
scholarly attainments, his moral dispositions and principles, his 



i6 

manners as a gentleman, his aims in life, his whole course in 
college, make it a pleasure to recommend him to any post of 
service he may seek or be willing to accept. While his rank 
speaks sufficiently of his classical qualifications, I know that his 
interest in the young, his temper, his affections, and his conscien- 
tious fidelity to whatever he undertakes afford the very strongest 
assurances of his trustworthiness as a teacher. Nor is he without 
experience in that calling. Whoever may employ him, whether for 
public or private instruction, will undoubtedly have cause for 

satisfaction. 

F. D. HUNTINGTON. 

Harvard University, Cambridge, July 2, 1859. 



FROM PARENTS, TRUSTEES, ETC. 



From Frank B. Sanborn, A.M., Secretary of the Massachusetts Board 

of State Charities, etc., etc. 

Concord, Feb. 27th, 1857. 

Mr. Francis E. Abbot has taught Greek, Latin, and Mathe- 
matics in my school the present winter with much thoroughness 
and success ; and I have no hesitation in recommending him for 

any similar situation. 

F. B. SANBORN. 



. From Mrs. Comegys. 
Mr. F. E. Abbot has been connected with my school during the 
past year. I consider him a young gentleman of fine intellectual 
attainments, most thoroughly educated, and possessing in a 
remarkable degree the faculty of communicating knowledge and 
giving to every lesson a peculiar attraction which never fails in 
interesting the young. These qualities, combined with his high 
moral character, gentlemanly and dignified manners, are requisites 
which particularly fit him for a responsible educational situation. 

Mrs. COMEGYS, 
Principal of Young Ladies' Boarding School. 
Cambridge, Mass., Aug. 15th, i860. 



Fro)n the Trustees of the Meadville Female Seminary. 
The Rev. F. E. Abbot having been employed for three years 
(previous to his entering upon the ministry) to take charge of a 
young ladies' school under the direction of the subscribers, they 



20 

hereby certify to his high scholarly attainments and eminent moral 
worth, and they cheerfully commend him to the Christian sym- 
pathies of any community amid which he may seek to make his 

future home. 

A. HUIDEKOPER, 

F. HUIDEKOPER, 

E. G. HUIDEKOPER. 
Meadville, Pa., July 18, 1863. 



From George Ticknor Curtis, Esq., Author of "History of the 
Origin, For?nation, and Adoption of the Constitution of the United 
States," "Life of Daniel Webster," etc. 

New York, May 13, 1867. 

Rev. Frank E. Abbot, of Dover, N.H., had under his charge for 
an entire year a son of mine, who had undertaken to rejoin his 
class in Harvard College after an absence from that institution of 
six months. He resided in Mr. Abbot's house. His progress in 
every respect, under Mr. Abbot's tuition and influence, was very 
marked. Great improvement in his character and entire success 
in what he had undertaken was the result of his residence with 
Mr. Abbot. 

I am convinced that Mr. Abbot possesses a remarkable faculty 
of teaching and influencing young men, and I cordially recommend 
him to any one who has occasion for such services. 

GEORGE TICKNOR CURTIS- 



From Mrs. Harriet B. Sprague. 

20 Ashburton Place, Boston, Dec. 9, 1S78. 

I take great pleasure in writing a note to recommend my friend 

Mr. Abbot as a teacher. Twice has he been tutor to my sons, 

once for nine months, and then a second time for six months. 



21 

On both occasions I was entirely satisfied of his thorough and 
conscientious, discharge of his duties. My sons respect him as 
their friend, and acquired while with him habits of study most 
useful afterwards in their college life. I feel a great deal of 
interest in Mr. Abbot, and hope he may be able to establish a 
school such as is much needed in this city, where boys can be 
thoroughly grounded in their studies. I am glad to bear testi- 
mony to such a man. 

HARRIET B. SPRAGUE (widow). 



From Estes Howe, M.D. 

150 Devonshire Street, Room 47, 
Boston, Dec. 19, 1878. 
Francis E. Abbot: 

Dear Sir, — I have received your letter in which you announce 
that you have some idea of resuming the occupation of a teacher. 
If you have come to this determination because you are dis- 
appointed of success in more congenial employments, I regret 
it. But my own experience of your eminent qualification as a 
teacher and guide for young men leads me to the opinion that, in 
re-assuming that very responsible office, you will find in the success 
of your labors in the formation of the minds and characters of 
young men, as their teacher, an assurance of usefulness of the 
highest kind ; and that, I know, will to you be the first and great- 
est reward for your labors. For myself, I feel, and have tried to 
express to you, that I and my son are under the greatest obliga- 
tions to you for what you did for his mind and character during 
the year he spent under your charge. I shall be most happy to 
say what I think of your merits as a teacher to any person who 
has any respect for my opinion. I beg of you to make use of this 
letter if it can be of any service to you. 

Wishing you the success and prosperity you so truly deserve, 

I am sincerely your friend, 

ESTES HOWE. 



22 



From Charles F. Dunbar, A.B., Professor of Political Economy, and 
Dean of the College Faculty. 

Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass., 
April 21, 1879. 

My dear Sir, — I would gladly give you the statement * which 
you desire, but there is, unfortunately, no record from which it can 
be made. A suspended student on his return is required to pass 
in the studies which he would have carried on in college, in order 
to show that he has used his time properly, and that he is able to 
go on with the rest. Each instructor examines him privately, 
and reports simply "passed" or "failed"; and the only perma- 
nent record made is that the student receives or is refused per- 
mission to join his class. If he passed in three subjects and failed 
in a fourth, he would very likely be let to go on, the return showing 
ability to do so on the whole. 

If it will be of service to you, my recollection of Sprague's case 
and what I have heard of the others will justify me in saying that 
the work of suspended students, when under your charge, has 
been satisfactorily performed — which you will see is about as full 
a statement as the matter really admits. 

Very truly yours, 

CHAS. F. DUNBAR 
Mr. F. E. Abbot, Cambridge.* 



* Request had been made for an official statement, from the college records, of the fact that 
four suspended students (one in 1866, two in 1869, and one in 1878) had all been readmitted to 
the Junior Class of Harvard College after having been under Mr. Abbot's sole charge for several 
months, and after having all four passed a successful examination in^every study which they had 
pursued under his instruction. 



CORNELL TESTIMONIALS. 



From Charles Eliot Norton, A.M., Joint Editor of the "North 
American Review" Professor of the History of Art in Harvard 
University, Author of u Notes of Travel and Study in Italy" etc. 

Cambridge, 12th January, 1864. 

My dear Mr. Abbot, — I have read, with great interest and with 
the careful attention it deserves, the article on " The Philosophy 
of the Conditioned," * by Mr. Francis E. Abbot, which you left in 
my hands. If I felt competent to pronounce an opinion upon it, 
I should repeat Professor Park's judgment, and call it " an ad- 
mirable article f Of its great and remarkable ability there cannot 
be a doubt. The clearness of the thought is manifest in the 
clear simplicity of its style. The logical acuteness and the power 
of analysis it displays combine to render its conclusions as con- 
vincing as they are satisfactory. 

I esteem it a piece of great good fortune to have such an impor- 
tant contribution to metaphysical philosophy for publication in the 
North American Review. I am sorry that its appearance must be 
deferred till July. Will you be good enough to say to Mr. Abbot 
that we are not only glad to accept this article from him, but we 
also hope to receive from him frequent additional contributions to 
the pages of the North American. . . . 

CHARLES ELIOT NORTON. 

[To Professor Ezra Abbot, D.D., LL.D., of the Harvard Divinity School.] 
* Afterwards divided into two articles with separate titles. 



26 

Cambridge, Mass., April 18, 1867. 
Hon. A. D. White, 

President of Cornell University, etc., etc., etc. : 

Dear Sir, — As I learn that the Rev. Francis Ellingwood Abbot 
is a candidate for the chair of Intellectual Philosophy in Cornell 
University, I take the liberty of addressing you for the purpose of 
expressing my hope that he may receive the appointment which he 
seeks. I venture to do this because I believe his appointment 
would be alike for the interest of the University and for that of 
philosophy. My personal acquaintance with Mr. Abbot is very 
slight, so that I speak under no impulse of friendship. My knowl- 
edge of his attainments is derived mainly from two essays of his, — 
one on " The Philosophy of Space and Time," the other on " The 
Conditioned and the Unconditioned," which appeared in the North 
American Review in July and October, 1864, respectively. 

The qualities displayed in these papers are, in my judgment, of 
a very rare and high order. Mr. Abbot shows in them not only 
that he is a careful, thorough and capable student of philosophy, 
widely versed in past metaphysical speculations, but that he is also 
an exact and original thinker, able to express his thought in clear 
and vigorous language, and possessed of such sincerity of mind 
that his controlling object is not the maintenance of any special 
opinion, but the discovery of the truth. The fairness of his spirit 
is not less conspicuous than the force of his mind. 

I take the further liberty of enclosing to you two notes con- 
firmatory of my opinion ; one from Professor Gurney of Harvard 
University (the Assistant Professor in the department of Intel- 
lectual Philosophy), the other from. Mr. Chauncey Wright, Secre- 
tary of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and one of 
the ablest metaphysicians in the country. 

I am, with high respect, your obedient servant, 

CHARLES ELIOT NORTON. 



2/ 



From Ephraim W. Gurney, A.B., University Professor of History. 

Cambridge, ii April, 1867. 

My dear Mr. Norton, — I heard yesterday from Prof. Bowen 
that the Rev. Francis E. Abbot, of Dover, was about to apply for 
a position as Professor of Philosophy at the new Cornell University, 
and I learn that you purpose to write a letter in his behalf to the 
Trustees of that institution. 

Independently of personal acquaintance, the rare merit both in 
thought and style of his contributions to your Review gives you, I 
know, ample warrant for the warmest recommendation of Mr. 
Abbot for the place he seeks ; but it has occurred to me that it 
would not be amiss, if you should add a word on the admirable 
qualities as a teacher which he has shown in dealing with our 
College undergraduates who have been put for a season under his 
charge. 

So highly do I think of Mr. Abbot's personal qualities, as well as 

of his powers and promise as a metaphysician, that I am confident 

that his success as a College instructor would keep pace with the 

reputation he cannot fail to win as a philosophical thinker of a 

very high order. 

Very truly yours, 

E. W. GURNEY. 
Chas. E. Norton, Esq. 



From the late Chauncey Wright, A.M., Secretary of the American 
Academy of Arts and Sciences, Author of "Philosophical Discus- 
sions " {posthumously published), etc. 

Cambridge, April 16, 1867. 

My dear Sir, — Having learned from you that Rev. F. E. Abbot 

is an applicant for the Professorship of Philosophy in Cornell 

University, I desire to express my sense of his eminent fitness for 

this place. 

From his contributions to the North American Review and the 



28 

Christian Examiner, and from a personal correspondence with him 
relating to his article in the Review on Sir W. Hamilton, I have 
gained the profoundest respect for his philosophical attainments, 
both in learning and in power of thought. I know of no philo- 
sophical writer in this country who surpasses him in vigor and 
clearness of style, or in earnestness of devotion to the pursuit of 
true opinions in the abstruser matters of thought. He is singu- 
larly free from a love of mere subtilty as such, and independently 
of its use for -arriving at just philosophical conclusions. In other 
words, he is not a mere metaphysician, but a really earnest 
thinker, who cannot fail to inspire the youths whom he may 
instruct with a sound and liberal spirit of inquiry. 

Very truly yours, 

CHAUNCEY WRIGHT. 
C. E. Norton, Esq., Cambridge. 



From Francis Bo wen, A.M., Alford Professor of Natural Religion, 
Moral Philosophy, and Civil Polity in Harvard University, Author 
of "The Principles of Metaphysical and Ethical Science" "A Trea- 
tise on Logic" " American Political Economy" etc., etc. 

Harvard College, Oct. 15, 1864. 
My dear Sir, — I cannot avoid telling you how much I have 
been pleased and instructed by your two articles in the North 
American Review. They are admirably written, the language 
being unusually clear, precise, and forcible ; and they not only 
show a full command of the learning requisite for the proper treat- 
ment of the subject, but evince, as it seems to me, a true genius 
for metaphysical speculation and for close and severe reasoning. 
You have proved, what few metaphysical disputants succeed in 
doing, that you fully understand, and can clearly expound, the 
doctrines which you controvert. This is particularly true of your 
exposition of the leading principles of Kant's philosophy, which 
many persons talk about very familiarly, though not one in a 



2 9 

thousand understands them. Your articles must attract notice 

and commendation, I think, in England as well as in this country, 

though it is to be regretted that, owing to the nature of the 

subject, your audience must be fit and few in both places. I hope 

you will continue the work you have so 'well begun, by devoting 

what leisure the exercise of your profession may afford to the 

examination of some of the other themes of deep import in 

philosophy. . . . 

With great regard, very sincerely yours, 

FRA'S BOWEN. 
Rev. F. E. Abbot. 



Harvard College, April 9, 1867. 
Rev. Francis E. Abbot, a graduate with honors of this institu- 
tion in the class of 1859, has applied himself with much success to 
metaphysical studies. Two elaborate essays, which he published 
a few years ago in the North American Review, on our ideas of 
Space and Time, attracted much attention both at home and 
abroad from the scholarly manner in which they were written, the 
large command which they evinced of the literature of the subject, 
and the ingenuity and originality with which the doctrines pro- 
pounded were worked out. As scholarship and ability in this 
department of letters are not often found united, either in this 
country or elsewhere, I should consider any institution fortunate 
that should secure Mr. Abbot's services as a Professor of Intel- 
lectual Philosophy. My own opinions both in theology and phi- 
losophy differing very considerably from his, this opinion is formed 
and expressed without any bias except what is fairly due to 
learning and merit, — to distinction honestly won as a writer and 
thinker. Should Mr. Abbot succeed in gaining a position which 
will enable him to devote himself exclusively to his favorite 
studies, I doubt not that he will achieve a higher reputation than 

he already possesses. 

FRANCIS BOWEN, 

Alford Professor of Moral Philosophy, 



3Q 



Frovi the Rev. Andrew P. Peabody. D.D., LL.D., Preacher to the 
University, and Plummer Professor of Christian Morals, Author of 
" Christianity the Religion of Nature" " Lectures on Christian Doc- 
trine" etc., etc. 

Harvard University, April 16, 1867. 

Rev. Francis E. Abbot holds in my regard a foremost place 
among American scholars, as a diligent student, a profound 
thinker, and an able writer in the department of Metaphysics and 
Intellectual Philosophy, and is eminently qualified to fill a profes- 
sorship in that department with power and usefulness. At the 
same time I can bear testimony to his capacity and fidelity as an 
instructor, having had in one instance the opportunity of testing 
his work by the extraordinary improvement and the altered habits 
of a student committed for a few months to his sole care. 

A. P. PEABODY, 
Prof., etc., in Harvard University. 



From the late John Stuart Mill, Author of "A System of Logic," 
" Principles of Political Economy" " Examination of Sir W. Ham- 
ilton's Philosophy," etc., etc. 

Blackheath Park, Kent, Aug. 17, 1867. 
Dear Sir, — I have read with attention your two essays in the 
North American Review, entitled " The Philosophy of Time and 
Space " and " The Conditioned and the Unconditioned." I cannot 
be expected to express concurrence in the doctrines of those able 
papers, since they belong to a mode of thought on metaphysical 
subjects quite opposed to mine ; but I am therefore the less likely 
to be under the influence of any favorable prejudice, when I say 
that the leading idea of the Essays is, as far as I know, original ; 
that it is maintained with a considerable amount of intellectual 
resources ; and that, among the many philosophical theories which 
attempt to resolve on the principles of the a priori school the diffi- 



3i 

cult questions relating to the ideas of Space and Extension, that 
which you have propounded is, as it appears to me, at least as 
worthy of attention as some which have helped to gain a high rep- 
utation for their authors. 

I am, dear sir, 

Yours very truly, 

J. STUART MILL. 
Francis E. Abbot, Esq. 



From John Veitch, Esq., A.M., Professor of Logic in the University of 
Glasgow, Joint Editor of the " Lectures of Sir W. Hamilton" 
Author of the "Life of Dugald Stewart" etc. 

The College, Glasgow, Aug. 8, 1867. 
The Rev. Francis E. Abbot is only known to me as the author 
of two articles on Space and Time and the Absolute, which 
appeared in the American Review some time ago. I have been 
very much struck by the force and originality of the essays in ques- 
tion. I have not the slightest doubt that Mr. Abbot's philosoph- 
ical attainments and capacity are such as to fit him thoroughly for 
the discharge of the duties of a Professorship of Intellectual 

Philosophv. 

J. VEITCH. 



From the Rev. Henry Calderwood, LL.D., Professor of Moral Phi- 
losophy in the University of Edinburgh, Author of u The Philosophy 

of the Infinite" etc. 

Glasgow, 16th August, 1867. 

The Rev. Francis E. Abbot, of Dover, is known to me, not only 
by his philosophical articles in the North American Review, but 
also by private correspondence on philosophical questions. On 
these grounds I very willingly bear testimony as to the high 
opinion I have formed of his philosophical ability and peculiar 
fitness for a Chair of Mental Philosophy. 

He is evidently devoted to philosophical study, has great clear- 
ness, force, and independence of thought, and much power in 



32 

setting forth his philosophical speculations in successful form. If 
he has also aptness for public instruction of students, as to which 
I am unable to speak, he is admirably qualified for the office to 
which he aspires. 

I venture to express the conviction that it is of the highest con- 
sequence for the interests of philosophy that the appointments to 
Chairs, both in America and Europe, should be given, as far as 
possible, to men who will not only discourse well on the history of 
philosophy, both ancient and modern, but exercise independent 
thought for further advancement of the science. From all I know 
of Mr. Abbot, I am persuaded he has the independence of thought 
to be specially desired in a Professor of Mental Philosophy. 

HENRY CALDERWOOD, LL.D. 



From Ralph Waldo Emerson, LL.D., Author of "Nature" 
"Essays," "Poems" "Representative Men" "English Traits" 
" Conduct of Life" " Letters and Social Aims" etc. 

Concord, 23 April, 1867. 
To the Trustees of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York : 
Gentlemen, — It gives me great pleasure to learn that Rev. 
Francis E. Abbot is a candidate for the chair of Intellectual Phi- 
losophy in the Cornell University. Mr. Abbot has been long known 
to me as a good scholar and a valued teacher in Massachusetts, 
and later in Meadville College, Pennsylvania. But I have lately 
been specially interested, and have conceived a high opinion of his 
powers in the direction of intellectual science, by his well-known 
contributions to the North American Review, in 1864 and 1865, 
on metaphysical questions ; and I can warmly recommend him to 
the Trustees, confiding that, if elected, he will add great strength 
to the Faculty, as well as fit opportunity of larger action to his 

own genius. 

Respectfullv, 

R. W. EMERSON. 



33 

From Oliver Wendell Holmes, M.D., Parkman Professor of 

Anatomy in Harvard University, Author of "Poetry" "Autocrat 
of the Breakfast Table" " Elsie Venner" etc. 

Boston, April 21st, 1867. 
It gives me pleasure to add my name to those of the distin- 
guished gentlemen who have recommended Mr. Francis Ellingwood 
Abbot to the respectful consideration of the Trustees of the 
Cornell University, as a candidate for the chair of Metaphysics 
and Intellectual Philosophy. My confidence in his ability is 
derived from his published writings ; for his personal fitness I 
must refer to those who have enjoyed his acquaintance. 

O. W. HOLMES. 



From the Rev. Henry W. Bellows, D.D., Pastor of All Souls 
Church, New York, President of the United States Sanitary 
Commission during the war of the Rebellion, etc. 

To the President and Trustees of Cornell University • 

Gentlemen, — I desire to add my hearty testimony to that of 
much moire competent witnesses, to the extraordinary genius for 
metaphysical studies of the Rev. Francis E. Abbot, an applicant for 
the chair of Metaphysics and Intellectual Philosophy at your Uni- 
versity. It is rare that so strong a bent to such pursuits occurs 
anywhere ; and in this case the ability seems quite equal to the 
proclivity. As Editor of the Christian Examiner, I am able to say 
that two articles of a metaphysical character from Mr. Abbot's 
pen have attracted the attention of the best thinkers on the intel- 
lectual problems of the day, on both sides of the water ; and that 
they were among the most marked contributions that have ever 
appeared in the pages of the old and scholarly Review to which 
they lent lustre. 

As an honest, courageous, and pure thinker, I think America has 
in the department of metaphysical study no man of his years equal 
to Mr. Abbot. 



34 

And I may safely add that his personal character fits him to be 
the companion, guide, and example of young men. I shall think 
the Cornell University has done a great service to the whole 
country, when she enables Mr. Abbot to devote his chief atten- 
tion to metaphysical inquiries. 

I have the honor to be 

Very respectfully yours, 

HENRY W. BELLOWS. 

New York, April 17, 1867. 



From the Rev. Joseph Henry Allen, Editor of the " Christian Exam- 
iner" Author of u Hebrew Men and Times" etc. 

Boston, April 9, 1867. 
My dear Sir, — I understand with pleasure from my friend Mr. 
Abbot, of Dover, that his name will be proposed as candidate for 
the professorship of Mental Philosophy in Cornell University. 
My first knowledge of his ability in the line of metaphysics was 
through a series of articles in the North A7?ierican Review — doubt- 
less known to you ; which led to my seeking and obtaining from 
him two or three papers of much interest and philosophical value 
(as I have considered them) in the Christian Examiner. I am 
acquainted with him, — as you are probably, also, by reputation, — 
as a man of singular clearness, force, and sincerity of conviction, 
with unusual logical ability and power of statement. As you sug- 
gested to me, last December, that I should propose to you the 
names of such as might appear to me qualified to take part in 
your enterprise — particularly those likely to be of service in 
special departments — I am very happy to avail myself of your 
permission to corroborate whatever favorable repute of Mr. 
Abbot's ability may be given you from other sources. 

Yours very truly, 

J. H. ALLEN. 

President White, Syracuse, N.Y. 



35 



From the Rev. Noah Porter, D.D., LL.D., Clark Professor of Moral 

Philosophy and ' Metaphysics, President of Yale College, Author of 

" The Human Intellect" etc. 

Yale College, April 22, 1867. 

I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Mr. 
Francis Ellingwood Abbot, but have read with great interest some 
of his articles on metaphysical subjects. I should have no hesita- 
tion in recommending him to the Trustees of the Cornell Uni- 
versity, as the most suitable person whom I can think of for the 
chair of Metaphysics and Intellectual Philosophy. 

N. PORTER, Prof etc. 



From the Rev. Edwards A. Park, D.D., Abbot Professor of Christian 
Theology in the Andover Seminary, Editor of the " Bibliotheca 

Sacra" etc. 

Andover, Theological Seminary, Massachusetts, 

April 18, 1867. 

Although I have not the pleasure of an acquaintance with Rev. 

Francis Ellingwood Abbot, of Dover, New Hampshire, yet I have 

read two essays from his pen on " The Philosophy of Space and 

Time" and "The Conditioned and Unconditioned," and from 

these essays have derived a very favorable opinion of Mr. Abbot 

as an acute metaphysician and a clear writer. I have supposed 

him to be well read in Psychology, and to be animated with an 

enthusiasm in the science. I regret that I have no other sources 

of information in regard to him, but I cannot think that the 

author of two such learned and elaborate essays can fail to be a 

useful teacher in the department of Metaphysics and Intellectual 

Philosophy. 

EDWARDS A. PARK. 



36 



From the late Rev. Horace Bushnell, D.D., Author of "Christian 
Nurture" " Nature and the Supernatural" etc. 

Hartford, April 18, 1867. 
Rev. F. E. Abbot : 

Dear Sir, — I am very mucfy at a loss to know what answer I 
ought to give to your request. You are quite right in assuming 
that I will not be disinclined to do you service in this matter 
because you are personally a stranger. But it happens that you 
are unfortunate in applying to one who is so far out of his line, in 
the matter of metaphysics. I was formerly drawn to that study, 
but I have lost all expectation from it, and only read enough to 
keep myself informed of what is passing. After any one has 
gotten the insight of words, where all true intelligence {intus-lego) 
centres and comes to its limit, I do not think it possible to care 
much for logic or metaphysics. He has discovered by that time 
the possibility of systems without end, and the impossibility of 
any that can stand. And it is a fact not to be questioned that 
metaphysics never have established anything. The last new 
teacher is always just about to do it, and the coterie gathered 
about him are quite certain that he has ; but it turns out very 
shortly that he has rather multiplied the questions than settled 
any one of them. The teachers are all building what they call 
" the science," but science does not fare in that way. There is, 
in fact, no science here, and never will be — language is too light- 
winged, and too competent of right uses, to be harnessed in this 
mill. Metaphysics have three uses : first, they show that meta- 
physics are impossible ; secondly, they are a good gymnastic ; and, 
thirdly, they vary the old questions so as to enlarge the field. At 
this last point, Spencer has a considerable merit, with, as far as I 
know, scarcely any other. 

I have read only one of the articles you name — that on "Posi- 
tivism in Theology." My criticism on it would be briefly this : 
That the Positivism you so much count upon appears to be 
nothing different from Bacon's doctrine of science, after you have 



37 

so essentially cut down the merit of Comte, to whom it belongs, 
and so handsomely and fatally demolished Spencer, who is its 
most prominent champion. I perceive, in the latter part of your 
article, that you still cling to the faith of something very Positive 
somewhere — if anybody can find it ; but as we do not commonly 
name children before they are born, I see no very particular 
reasons just now for asserting anything under this rather preten- 
tious title. And it will not be any the more acceptable to some 
that they look on Comte as being very much of a charlatan. 

What you say here of "logical and illogical," "science and 
religion," " authority and reason," " supernaturalism and natural- 
ism," appears to me to be more a matter of logomachy than you 
think it is ; though I distinguish in it a very great assumption from 
which I strongly dissent. You assume that opinion here is going 
to be finally science, and so the end of all debate. Whereas I 
look upon opinion as a kind of clatter that can settle just nothing. 
Faith is a much higher, more explorative way of knowledge here 
than opinion, and cannot well be ignored as the summit-faculty of 
souls. Faith discerns, opinion manipulates. Faith has nothing to 
do with propositions, opinion with nothing else. Thus, when I 
believe in God, it is the act of one being committing himself in 
trust to another being, — in that trust getting immediate knowledge 
and consciousness of Him. In that knowledge I get the sense of 
my own everduringness, which never can be settled by the method 
of opinion, working at the question of immortality. So of super- 
natural inspiration, the grandest fact of human experience — 
opinion can do nothing with it. 

What, then, shall I say ? That you write well, I admit with the 
greater satisfaction that I am obliged to make these strictures. 
In your negative and destructive work I perfectly agree with you. 
You are a good metaphysician, capable, I think, of standing as 
high as a metaphysician has a right to stand, or can without 
ceasing to be one. And there is nothing I should so much like as 
to recommend some one for this kind of professorship who will 
teach words, show how words are made up into systems, how all 



38 

s ystems slip by slipping in words, how the science they attempt 
has therefore never been forthcoming and never will. 

I have talked freely in this strain, just to let you see how diffi- 
cult it is for me to put myself into your case, and that, if I 
decline, it is not because I have no disposition to oblige you. I 
d,o not really believe that the Cornell University will do better, if 
they want a metaphysician, than to give you the proposed place. 
With much respect, I am yours, 

HORACE BUSHNELL. 



From the Hon. Andrew D. White, President of Cornell University 

Minister to Germany, etc. 

Syracuse, Nov. 6, 1867. 

My dear Sir, — Were you to see the pile of letters heaped upon 
my table, and know how many things are thrown upon me, you 
would, I am sure, pardon my delay. • 

Perhaps you will be all the more inclined to pardon me, when 
you know that, in addition to other work, I have spoken every 
week-day for a fortnight to avert the political calamity which yes- 
terday befell us. 

It is with regret that I have to inform you that the choice of 
the Trustees seems decidedly taking a direction away from you. 
The feeling is that, as we have so many young men, an older man 
would better become the Professorship of Moral Philosophy, etc. 

The man most likely to be chosen would, I think, please you ; 
and I trust you will come into this part of the world at no distant 
day, and that I may have the pleasure of bringing you together. 

I do not yet despair of having you at work with us as a non- 
resident Professor, as our plan and success extend. 

I remain most truly yours, 

A. D. WHITE. 
Rev. F. E. Abbot. 



39 

Syracuse, Dec. 5, 1867. 

My dear Mr. Abbot, — I cannot return your testimonials without 
a word regarding them. 

They are such as may well make any man — young or old — 
proud. Let me add also that, some time since, one of the 
brightest young men I have ever seen, an orthodox clergyman in 
this part of the world, presented himself as a candidate. He had 
excellent testimonials, and he was not troubled with modesty to 
any too great extent. He declared that he knew he could distin- 
guish himself in the position, and that he would remain a candi- 
date against every other man save Mr. Abbot, whose articles he 
had read in the North American Review. If the latter gentleman 
were a candidate, he desired to withdraw his name. 

It is not, my dear Mr. Abbot, want of appreciation of your 
ability, — it is not fear of any views you may entertain, — it is no 
want of personal esteem, which has led us to hesitate to name you 
at present. 

But a college like ours makes certain demands upon the depart- 
ment at the first which probably would be more fully met by 
another candidate. Were the department that of Metaphysics 
alone, there is no one whose claims would, I think, be preferred 
to yours ; and should there be, as I trust may be the case, a 
division of the department within a few years, there is no one so 
likely as yourself to be urged to accept that position for which 
you have shown so remarkable a fitness. 

With great respect and regard, I remain most truly yours, 

AND. D. WHITE. 

To the Rev'd F. E. Abbot. 



